Perspective and inappropriate analogies

Why, when you are going through a really stressful time in your life, is it okay for people attempt to comfort you by saying something like, "Well, it could be worse, think of all the children starving in Africa," or something similar that has absolutely nothing to do with your situation. Has that statement EVER made anyone feel better?

Also, why, when your superiors are going through a very stressful time at work, is it definitely not okay to say something like, "Well, it could be worse, think of all the companies that actually went out of business this year."

I'm just wondering. I didn't actually say that. Out loud.